Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi
Bauchi State authorities has disclosed that it’s doing its greatest to be certain that all youngsters, particularly women who’re out of faculty throughout the state, return to faculty, to enable them to be formally educated.
The Commissioner for Education, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, acknowledged this on the commemoration of the 2026 International Day of the Girl-child, with the theme: ‘End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights’, held on the Government Girls College (GGC), Bauchi, organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Education, Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), in collaboration with Young Leaders Network, SISWACHI, IKRA Foundation, WCY, Wuntin Alkhairi and Eagles Impact.
Ibrahim stated, “This celebration reminds us that investing in the education, protection, and empowerment of girls is not only a moral responsibility, but also a strategic investment in the future of our society. Education remains one of the most powerful tools for empowering the girl child.
“When a girl is educated, she acquires the knowledge, confidence, and skills necessary to make informed decisions, contribute meaningfully to society, and participate in the development of her community and the nation at large. However, we must acknowledge that many girls continue to face significant challenges, including poverty, gender-based discrimination, insecurity, early and child marriage, and limited access to quality education.”
He added that the challenges require the collective dedication of presidency, mother and father, conventional rulers, spiritual leaders, improvement companions, civil society organisations, and communities at giant, stating, “As a ministry, we remain committed to promoting inclusive and equitable access to quality education for all children, with particular attention to the needs of the girl child.”
He promised that the federal government will proceed to assist initiatives that encourage women to enrol in class, stay in class, full their schooling, and pursue alternatives that can allow them to obtain their full potential.
“We also recognise the importance of creating safe, supportive and conducive learning environments where girls can learn without fear of discrimination, harassment, or violence.
“Equally important is the need to support girls who have dropped out of school to return and complete their education. Every girl deserves a second chance to learn, develop her talents, and build a better future. I therefore call on parents and guardians to prioritise the education of their daughters, encourage them to pursue their dreams, and provide them with the necessary support to succeed,” he added.
Ibrahim restated that academics and college directors should additionally be certain that each woman is handled with dignity, inspired to take part actively in studying, and given equal alternatives to excel, saying, “As we celebrate this important day, let us renew our commitment to ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to access quality education, develop her talents, realise her ambitions, and contribute meaningfully to the development of our dear fatherland, Nigeria.”
He counseled the organisers and improvement companions for his or her dedication to advancing the rights and alternatives of the woman youngster. He urged all stakeholders to maintain the advocacy past the celebration and translate commitments into sensible actions that can make an enduring distinction within the lives of our women.
In her remarks, the Project Coordinator of Adolescent Girls (AGILE), Ladi Hamma Mohammed, stated that empowering adolescent women by means of schooling, life abilities and protected areas to finish youngster marriage in Nigeria can’t be overemphasised, stressing that this yr’s worldwide theme, ‘End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights’, “calls on all to take concrete action to protect girls from child marriage, safeguard their rights, and invest in their education, well-being, and future”.
She added that the agenda theme, ‘Empowering Adolescent Girls Through Education, Life Skills and Safe Spaces to End Child Marriage in Nigeria’, reiterated the significance of equipping women with the information, abilities, confidence, and supportive environments they want to make knowledgeable selections, resist dangerous pressures, and construct brighter futures.
“These themes remind us that ending child marriage requires more than public awareness. It demands sustained investment in girls’ education, practical life skills, safe learning environments, and the collective commitment of families, communities, governments, and development partners,” she stated.
